Anne #

Girl, Age: 3

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays, Spina bifida

Spina Bifida, hydrocephalus-shunt placed

Listed: Dec 2023

2025 MACC, 24 for 2024, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Sizable Grants $2,500+

Anne is delayed in all aspects of her development. She recently began eating from a spoon, and the NG tube was able to be removed. She enjoys attention from staff. She smiles when caregivers speak to her. She reaches and grabs objects, but is not yet playing with toys.

Vernon #

Boy, Age: 6

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays, Hydrocephalus, Spina bifida

Spina bifida; hydrocephalus- shunt; delays in all aspects of development

Listed: Dec 2023

2025 MACC, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Vernon crawls using his upper body. He plays with toys and interacts with familiar adults. He responds to his name by turning toward the person calling him.

Update 10/24

He has several special needs including congenital internal hydrocephalus and spina bifida aperta (thoraco-lumbar). Vernon is undergoing daily rehabilitation. His condition is monitored by a pediatric neurologist, a neurosurgeon and a pediatrician.

Vernon can turn independently from his back to his stomach and vice versa. He has good head control. He can purposefully grab a toy and hold it. He enjoys personal attention from an adult, laughs loudly at teasing and reacts with displeasure when left unattended. He is mostly calm. No aggressive behavior was recorded. When he is called by name, he turns toward the direction of the sound. He reacts to a noise stimulus. He speaks syllables and long sound combinations.

Atticus, Natalie, and Ross #

Sibling Group

Ages: 14, 11, 12

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: ADHD, Behavior, Limb differences

Listed: Nov 2023

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, Siblings

Meet “A, N & R” – three siblings who are longing for a family where they can grow up loved and together. A is a 12-year-old boy who does well in school and gets along with others. He has vision loss in one eye, but that has not seemed to slow him down! His sister, N, just turned nine years old. She has diagnoses of a mild intellectual delay and minor behavioral issues. N is described as mobile and energetic. She enjoys playing with her classmates and while she may learn more slowly than her peers, she is making continual progress. Their brother, R, just turned ten years old. R likes to color, watch TV, and ride on scooters and bicycles. He has diagnoses of a mild intellectual delay and ADHD as well as a congenital foot deformity for which he has undergone some treatment.

Liam #

Boy, Age: 5

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Arthrogryposis

congenital multiplex arthrogryposis

Listed: Oct 2023

25 for 2025, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Liam works with a physical therapist every day. The PT also acts as a primary caregiver most days and is the adult that Liam is the most familiar with in the orphanage. Liam has recently gained head control and can now lift and hold up his head when on his stomach. He reaches for toys and other desired objects. He attends to toys and electronics (will focus on a video on a phone). He rolls to try to get to toys on a mat. He is very attentive to his environment. He drinks from a bottle and eats pureed foods from a spoon. He prefers fruit puree and other sweeter flavored foods. A team member who visited him said, “He is a lovable little guy who shows lots of potential and ability for emotional attachment.”

Yvonne #

Girl, Age: 13

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Behavior, Traumatic Brain Injury

Low Birth Weight, malnutrition

Listed: Sep 2023

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Yvonne recently turned 11 years old. As a result of her low birth weight (4.8 pounds), a traumatic brain injury, and an early history of malnutrition, she has diagnoses of a mild mental delay, hyperkinetic disturbance of behavior, and delayed speech-language development. Since being placed with a foster family in 2018, however, she has grown both physically and emotionally. Her foster mother describes her as reserved, helpful and intent on getting what she wants. Yvonne attends a local school and is working at a third grade level. She is fearful of new people and new places. She generally will answer questions with one or two words, though those who know her well can understand her mispronunciations when she speaks at greater length. Her foster family and social worker are preparing her for what it means to be adopted.

Felicity, Kayla, and Yuki

Sibling Group

Ages: 16, 13, 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child

**** I am eligible for a $500 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount. To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, Siblings

Felicity, Kayla, and Yuki are two sisters and a brother in need of a family. They live in a group home for children without disabilities.

Felicity was born in December 2009. The dominant emotions are the positive ones. She demonstrates active social behavior. Sometimes she still demonstrates weaker control of emotions. When frustrated, she reacts with irritation. There is no data for anxiety, depression, or aggression. She is doing well with the maternal language. There are some minimal grammar mistakes. She is able to lead and maintain dialog. She can express sequentially and logically her thoughts and feelings. She is able to express emotions though non-verbal communication. She demonstrates positive self-evaluation. She has the typical characteristics of an extrovert. She enjoys watching TV, drawing, playing computer games as well as playing outside. She is oriented in the behavior of the children and the adults within society. She can attune her behavior towards the requirements of the situation. She participates in games and in the communication of her peers. She is mostly taking the central role. She does not step back from her goals easily. During the school year 2022/2023 she graduated from eighth grade, a class with professional profile. Considering the neglect in her birth family she has some gaps in the knowledge which are expected for her age. At school she works with a resource teacher. She has self-serving skills. She has habits for maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. She has skills to participate in collectively organized household tasks. She wants to be adopted.

Kayla was born in December 2012. She is an emotional child. She does not demonstrate aggression. She is empathic towards the problems of the other kids. She is eager to help her peers if they need it. She is doing well with the maternal language. There are some minimal grammar mistakes. She is able to lead and maintain dialog. She can express sequentially and logically her thoughts and feelings. She can express emotions though non-verbal communication. She is building a positive self-evaluation. She has the typical for her age curiosity and she demonstrates characteristics of an extrovert. She enjoys watching cartoons, drawing, playing board games and computer games as well as playing outside. She is oriented in the behavior of the children and the adults within society. She can attune her behavior towards the requirements of the situation. She is adjusting well in the group of her peers. She participates with big interest in all organized games and events. She can step back from her own goals and actions in line with those of her peers. She can wait for her turn to come. Considering the neglect in her birth family she has some gaps in the knowledge which are expected for her age. She is able to read and write under dictation. She makes minimal mistakes. She is well oriented into her school. During the school year 2022/2023 she graduated from fourth grade. She has self-serving skills. She has habits for maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. She wants to be adopted.

Yuki was born in February 2011. In December 2012, Yuki was a victim in a road accident and suffered a right lower leg fracture. Considering the changes that happened in his life, the adjustment process into the residential facility and in school went with some challenges. In November 2022 he was consulted with pediatric psychiatrist who put the diagnosis for “Other mixed behavior and emotional disorders”. His condition is being followed and therapy may be prescribed as well as work with psychologist. Now he is calm, he is acting with respect towards peers and adults. He observes the rules. With desire he performs all the given tasks in school and in the residential center. The speech and the language skills are well-developed. He was raised in a bilingual environment where d both Bulgarian and Turkish language. He can lead and maintain dialog and he provides enough verbal information. During conversation he communicates freely, he enters contact easily. He is able to express emotions though non-verbal communication. He demonstrates positive self-evaluation. He has the typical characteristics of an extrovert. He enjoys playing on the computer, playing soccer and going for walks outside. With desire he participates in the group activities. He performs the tasks according to his abilities. He likes being praised and to feel helpful, to be in the center of the attention. He is oriented in the behavior of the children and the adults within the society. He can adjust to new conditions. When disappointed he reacts emotionally. He participates in the games of his peers. Not always able to adjust his goals and actions around those of his partners in the game and he may react emotionally and enters into conflict. He finds challenges accepting the failures. During the school year 2022/2023 he graduated from sixth grade, a class with a profile in boxing. He works with a resource teacher there, After the incident he had he has been educating remotely. He is doing well and within the timeframe. He has self-serving skills. He has hygiene habits, but he needs to be reminded. He participates with desire in the activities related to maintaining environmental hygiene. He wants to be adopted.

Irio and Hamilton #

Sibling Group

Ages: 16, 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child

Listed: Sep 2023

**** I am eligible for a $500 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount. To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

There is a grant of 7800 euros toward foreign fees (with the agency) and this specific adoption agency will assist with applying for more.

The brothers have been in foster care for many years now and they are such great kids. They want to have a family and to be together as brothers. Next year, because the older one will become 14 in the summer, they will have to move to another town because of his school. There are no options for foster families there and they will have to go to an institution. The social worker is very hopeful this won’t need to happen and that they will be adopted instead.

IRIO – He is social and communicative. He easily makes new friends. In most cases his relationships with the children and the adults are good. According to the foster parents, he communicates well with the children and the adults. They describe him as a well-mannered child, who can assess different situations and adjust his behavior with them. He is aware that there are many social roles in society, which warrant a certain behavior. He participates adequately in the games of his peers. He can follow the instructions and the rules. He prefers games with physical activity, but he can participate in some role plays, too, and symbolic games (he gets into the role of a policeman or a criminal). He seeks the attention of the other children. He enjoys drawing, riding his bicycle, and games with a ball and other sport games. He only likes to be alone if he is using the computer. He fits in well among his peers.

HAMILTON – The boy is calm, observant, and curious about the surrounding world. He is attached to his brother, who is placed in the same foster family. Together they take care of each other, communicate, and play. He talks about his biological family calmly and talks about how they used to live. He did not like the conditions in his home then. He is attached to the foster family, their children, and their grandchild. It is hard for him to accept the pain of others and is always ready to help. When in conflict situations he defends his opinion, he is stubborn. He follows the rules at home and at school. He sometimes presents himself with stubbornness, but he does not argue and is not aggressive. He has an idea of good and bad, and for punishment and justice. He shares his experiences with the foster family and respects them. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and dancing.

Axel #

Boy, Age: 12

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Autism

Autism, mental delays

Listed: Sep 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Axel has been assessed to have atypical autism against the background of a mild degree initial mental disability. Satisfactory general state of health. Ali understands and follows simple instructions. He imitates speech. He communicates non-verbally by pointing at things. He enjoys in his own way activities such as making things from playdough or clay. He does not get involved in the play and activities of the children in the group. Ali seeks contact with adults and peers in his own way by slapping or by caressing their heads. His play doesn’t match his age. Ali shows no interest in toys or blocks. He prefers to look at pictures and to watch educational videogames with animals. He prefers to do something alone. He likes being alone and does not seek attention. In the 2021/2022 school year Axel studied in the first grade at the elementary school in the town. He has a resource teacher as additional support. He studies under an individual plan for his education. His self-service skills are partially formed. He can eat on his own and prefers to eat with his hands. He needs support and care.

Nilo #

Girl, Age: 14

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Limb differences

Cognitive Delays

Listed: Aug 2023

25 for 2025, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Nilo resides in a professional foster family. She has a congenital absence of her right forearm. Nilo is educated according to the Individual Study Plans of Students with a lower degree of complexity than the educational minimum for the calendar age, tailored to her individual needs. At a moderate pace, with individual help and guidance from the
teacher, she acquires knowledge, skills and competences foreseen in the individual curriculum for each subject of the individual curriculum. The girl distinguishes between the categories of good and bad, she knows generally accepted rules of behavior in social communication. She defines and expresses own desires and needs in words.

Nilo has diverse interests.

Nilo experiences attachment to children and therapists. She is sad when separated from someone. She seeks contact with adults, classmates and older students and engages in joint activities with them, she participates in role-playing games. She has mastered the social role of a student and classmate. Nilo helps her classmates when she sees that they are having a hard time. The comfort zone is the classroom and Montessori room.

The child communicates verbally, expresses wishes, and is often persistent about them, especially about things that spark her interest. When asked a question, she needs time to think about it and reproduce an answer; she constantly asks questions and seeks approval. The answer is not always adequate to the situation. She doesn’t always
understand the meaning of what was said and the execution of a relevant instruction.

Nilo likes a variety of toys, and she possesses different ones. She can play with other children and is cooperative, she shares her belongings. Nilo has developed self-service skills and readiness for academic work. She has established hygiene habits. She eats independently; dresses and undresses; unfastens and fastens; puts on and takes off shoes; she knows the parts of clothing. She can’t tie shoelaces.

She can say that she is in a foster family and that the foster mother raised her. The girl partially understands that foster care is temporary. She listens and accepts information related to the possibility of being adopted and meets potential adoptive parents, but still, she cannot imagine living in a different place.

Bless #

Girl, Age: 6

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays

Listed: Aug 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Bless was born in June 2019. She resides in a Home for Medical and Social Care.
Bless was born from a pathological pregnancy, 3rd degree premature, experienced fetal asphyxia and congenital measles infection with subsequent spasticity of the 4 limbs, oral automatisms, severe retardation in neuro-psychic development, blindness as a result of retinopathy of prematurity.

She does not respond to sound signals. She does not blink. She often suffers from respiratory diseases. Bless turns from her back to her stomach and vice versa but prefers to remain in a supine position. From a supine position, she pushes herself up with her legs and shoulders and moves into space. She obliges herself in a passive sitting position in a walker. She has control over her head. She steps on her toes, but there is no support for her legs. The child holds a toy placed by the adult in her hand, puts it in her mouth, but for a short time. Undeveloped impressive and expressive vocabulary. Increased sound sensitivity. Spontaneously utters vocals and guttural sounds. She does not pay attention to her surroundings. The child is fed by an adult. She falls asleep on her own. She is completely dependent on the adult.

Archibald #

Boy, Age: 7

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Hydrocephalus

Listed: Aug 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Diagnoses include severe prematurity, including damage to the central nervous system –
hydrocephalus; a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was implanted. There is a lag in physical and
neuropsychological development.

Archibald cannot walk independently. He moves by pushing when placed in a walker. Stands up on his own and stands on his feet when in his crib. He can get out of bed by himself. He can go around the whole game room. He can sit for about 15-20 minutes. In terms of fine motor skills, he can pick up a toy himself if it is nearby; he plays for a long time and prefers to manipulate with his left hand. If the toy is at a distance, he tries to reach it. He likes musical toys. He recognizes adults. He has a good emotional tone, he enjoys contact with adults he knows; he loves when they praise him. He gets angry if his toy is taken away and tries to keep it in his possession. Archibald cannot speak but he makes long sounds. In interpersonal relationships he shows preferences for certain adults and initiates contact with them. He plays with toys. The child doesn’t have independent household hygiene habits. He is calm when changing and bathing, as well as in his sleep. Archibald does not take an afternoon nap, he eats everything. He is very stubborn and when he decides that he wants to pick up an object, no matter how heavy and large, he does his best. He still uses a diaper, potty several times a day. His sleep at night is
peaceful. He has daily kinesitherapy and sessions with a teacher. He is followed by a
neurosurgeon.

Nikki #

Girl, Age: 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child

Listed: Jul 2023

**** I am eligible for a $500 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount. To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Nikki is very social, bright and intelligent girl. She is able to express verbally her emotions, interests, concerns and ideas and she is very well-spoken and has a rich vocabulary. She shared that her favorite subjects at school are physical education and English. She shared that she enjoys being around friends and she has many of them both at school and in her group home. She is not a conflict person and she starts every conversation and interaction with very positive intentions.

She shared that her passion is currently drama performances and classes and she has already some experience playing on stage at the local theaters. Nikki says that if she has to choose she would prefer the stage rather than playing in a movie because she likes to have interaction with the audience. However she has a favorite movie and it's a movie which she admits she watched like hundreds of time – Titanic. She shared that she likes Leonardo Di Caprio and Angelina Jolie as actors.

Nikki seems to be one very sensitive and romantic soul, she enjoys more peaceful activities, she likes the rain and she admits that some movies make her cry. However she does not spare any smiles and she loves to smile and have fun with her friends. Nikki likes the colors black, red and purple, she said that pink is definitely not a favorite color. She said that she is not a picky eater and she likes all kinds of food. She shared that she does not like lamb meat. Nikki enjoys the music of the singer Arianna Grande and she dreams to visit Paris one day.

Nikki's hope is that she will have a family. She was adopted years ago through the national adoption process but her parents seemed to be much older and at the end they saw that they feel much more comfortable without having a child at home, they had a hard time creating emotional bond with her and they disrupted the adoption after four years. Nikki seems to have processed the trauma from that separation and she now realizes that what happened maybe was in her interest as she felt undesired in their home.

Since 2021 she is in the current group home and she is now looking in the future and the possibility to have a new family. She said that it does not bother her if the family is from another country even though she admits she will feel sad for leaving her friends and the people who take care for her now.

When asked about how she is imagining her family, she said that she wants they to be good people and to treat her well. She is ok with both having other siblings or not. Nikki shared that she loves animals ( her favorite is a cat) and she would like her family to like animals too. Nikki believes that you can tell a lot about the people just watching them how they act and interact around animals and that it is always a good person the one who admits that likes animals.

Carrie and Grace #

Sibling Group

Ages: 18, 12

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child

Listed: Jun 2023

**** I am eligible for a $500 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount. To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Carrie and Grace are sisters who have been in state care since 2019. After their mother passed away, their grandmother cared for the girls for as long as she was able. Now they hope to find a forever family who will welcome them together. Both girls do well in school and enjoy group activities. Carrie says math is one of her favorite subjects, and she hopes to take gymnastics lessons again someday. Grace loves art and is described as a leader. Neither girl has any special needs. They just need a family.

Unedited pictures are available from the agency

Polly #

Girl, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Autism

Listed: Feb 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Polly has been given a diagnosis of childhood Autism and is on several medications. She is now in a day program for children with disabilities and is receiving therapy services. As a result, she’s made progress in all aspects of her development. Polly speaks using simple words and small sentences. She understands everything said to her and can follow 2 and 3-step directions. She is able to express her wants and needs either through words or gestures. She asks questions. She learns new tasks best when a combination of verbal directions and visual demonstrations are used. She prefers playing alone and can play or work on a task for 10-15 minutes at a time uninterrupted. She plays appropriately with toys that interest her: coloring, building with blocks, kitchen/household toys (play kitchen, etc). She feeds herself with a spoon and drinks from an open cup. She’s toilet trained during the day, but still has some accidents when sleeping.

Update 2024: Polly now displays some self injurious behaviors. They have seen improvements with the addition of multiple medications, but her behaviors can decline as the meds begin to wear off each day and before an additional dose can be given.

Thomas #

Boy, Age: 13

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Congenital Heart Defect

Infantile Cerebral Palsy; Functional heart murmur; Hemangioma on the right chest ; cognitive delays

Listed: Nov 2017

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Thomas lived in an orphanage for the first 4 years of his life. He was then moved to a group home with 10 other children with disabilities, where he lived for another 4 years. He made developmental progress while in the group home, but was still not receiving the 1:1 care and attention that he needed. He was moved into foster care at age 8 and has made significant gains in all aspects of his development since then.

Thomas can communicate verbally with words and short phrases. He also uses gestures and pointing to objects, in order to communicate his wants and needs to his foster family.
He is a sociable child who enjoys the company of other children, particularly his friends with whom he loves to play. He is so full of energy, enjoying running, climbing, and riding his bike (which is fitted with stabilizers). He particularly likes to kick a ball around in the garden with his friend and play with balloons. On outings to the park and the zoo, he takes great interest in everything he sees but loves most of all anything with wheels.

His motor skills have improved recently and he is able to do more complex activities without being told how. For example, when his jacket sleeves are inside out he turns them the right way round before dressing himself. He takes great interest in many different kinds of toys. He loves the rides in the school bus every day. He is in a small class group. He is independent with self-help skills such as dressing, undressing, toileting, eating and drinking.

Raydor #

Boy, Age: 13

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Possible Autism, Premature

Listed: Sep 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Raydor was previously listed on Reece’s Rainbow as Randy.

Raydor’s birth mother was addicted to Heroin and took Methadone during pregnancy. Raydor was born premature and spent the first 5 months of his life in the hospital. Raydor knows his alphabet, numbers and colors in both his native language and English. He can do simple addition problems (single digit plus single digit and single digit plus double digit). He speaks in 2 word sentences and memorizes poems. He loves to build houses and other things with Legos and will stay focused on this task for long periods of time. He plays independently and with other children. He enjoys music and often tries to imitate melodies. Raydor has some behaviors that are commonly seen in children on the Autism spectrum. He has not had any type of formal evaluation for Autism.

Katrina #

Girl, Age: 12

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays

Listed: Sep 2022

2025 MACC, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Sizable Grants $2,500+

Katrina’s physical development and gross motor skills are age appropriate. She talks, but has some difficulty with articulation. Her fine motor skills are developed, but slightly delayed. She is diagnosed with mental delays. She knows and names the colors. She knows the letters of the alphabet and she has started reading. She already counts up to 30 and she writes some numbers. She knows the days of the week, seasons, left vs right, body parts, and can follow directions using instructions such as over/under, front/back, etc. She plays well with other children and enjoys attention from adults. She likes to work on a magnetic board, kinetic sand and active cards. She already colors in a contour and she is very diligent when connecting lines. She can cut and glue ready elements. She can read and the fact that she is being praised for that makes her very happy.

She follows the directions of an adult in relation to the hygiene and household activities. She can dress and undress her. She washes her hands and feeds herself independently, she makes attempts for self-serving. She takes care her belongings. She keeps her materials from school in a certain place.

Rose #

Girl, Age: 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs, Speech Delay

Mild Mental delays and speech delays

Listed: Jul 2022

*** I am eligible for a $2,000 Grant! ***
This grant is offered by Reece’s Rainbow, for children in this specific country. Grant funds are dependent on available funding. For more information, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Rose was removed from an abusive home at 9 years old and could not even speak the language of her birth country at that time. She now speaks in sentences, understands everything that is said to her and has made rapid developmental progress. During the visit with our team member, she was talking about the Mom and Dad that she’s waiting for and having a fun time posing for all the photos (see below). She currently lives with an older foster couple, who she calls grandma and grandpa. They have worked with her to teach her many self-help skills. She’s now in school and doing well working with a resource teacher.

Owen #

Boy, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Epilepsy/ seizure disorder

Cognitive delays; epilepsy; Carrier of the thalassemia trait. Astigmatism. Hypermetropia. Cryptorchidism.

Listed: Jun 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Owen has established self-care skills: He can dress/undress himself, feed himself and is toilet trained. He talks in sentences using 3 or more words. His gross motor skills are well-developed. He can walk, run, go up and down stairs and climb. He participates in conversations, understands everything said to him, and answers questions. He has issues with articulation. He attends a day program where he is receiving academic instruction and therapies. He is interested in everything happening around him. He enjoys Montessori toys. He can string beads, nest items, sort by color, and manipulate items of different sizes. His memory skills are developed. He can recall and reproduce information.

Sadie #

Girl, Age: 6

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Progressive ossifying fibrodysplasia

Listed: May 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Sizable Grants $2,500+

Sadie has limited movement in her neck, back and hands/arms (due to limited movement of the shoulders). She has more range of motion in her left arm vs her right. She compensates for her limited mobility. She stands on her toes to reach objects (when she cannot extend her arms) and holds on to a support to bend down or she seeks assistance from an adult. She walks, plays with toys, and interacts with her environment. She can put together wooden puzzles, stack rings and perform other basic tasks. She can take the cap off a pen and tries to draw shapes. She interacts with familiar people. She initiates games such as peek-a-boo. She will point to things she wants to communicate her wants/needs. She dances along to music. She can say some simple single syllable words such as ma-ma, but mostly communicates with gestures. She lived in a home with a younger child for a while and did well with the younger child. The foster family limits her interactions with other people, because they are afraid she will get hurt, due to her physical limitations. She plays well with other people, when she is around them. She does not go to preschool due to the fear her foster family has that she will be injured. She shows a preference to certain objects and TV shows (Peppa Pig and Masha the Bear).

Videos from May 2022 show Sadie walking, playing with toys, putting a puzzle together and interacting with adults. The videos show Sadie’s physical limitations.

Augustus #

Boy, Age: 7

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Hydrocephalus

Internal hydrocephalus: state after implantation of a VP-shunt; epilepsy; spastic quadriparesis; cortical blindness; delay in the neuro-psychic development

Listed: May 2022

2025 MACC, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Sizable Grants $2,500+

Augustus was born full term, and was found that he has internal hydrocephalus; at the age of 4 months a liquid drainage valve system was implanted. The child lies in bed; he has spasticity in his limbs and his active and passive movements are limited. He depends completely on the care provided by adults. He receives kinesiotherapy. The child is subject to observation by a neurologist and by a neuro-surgeon.

The child’s lower and upper limbs are highly spastic and are with diffuse muscle hypotonia. His fine motor skills are not developed. He does not grasp a toy given to him. Atanas holds his hands bent in fists. He is seriously delayed in his psychomotor development. The boy reacts to tactile stimulation by adults. When teased, he does not smile. He is unable to interact with the other children. Atanas depends completely on the care provided by adults. He is fed by a bottle. From time to time he cries when given a shower. He sleeps well.

Bodie # (Barron)

Boy, Age: 8

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Endocrine disorder, Global developmental delays

Listed: Apr 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Bodie has a diagnosis of moderately impaired general condition which requires constant adult attention and supervision. He was born prematurely. He has congenital hydronephrosis grade 3 of both kidneys with congenital mega-ureters and is underdeveloped in his neurological and mental development. He does not make eye contact and does not have developed speech — although he does not use words, he hums and shouts to express himself. He is interested in toys but without creative play. He began sitting independently at 2 years 9 months. He stands but cannot walk independently, and uses diapers day and night due to kidney condition, and requires constant adult supervision for his daily needs. Additional photos and a brief video are available upon request.

Bodie responds to his name with a smile, to sounds and noise. He keeps an eye on the movement of people and objects in the room. He is described as a calm and pleasant child. He is well attached to his caregivers and responds well to them. When given attention, he reacts positively and with a smile. Most of the time, the child is energetic and physically active. It is difficult for him to stay in one place, constantly moving and exploring.

The child expresses his joy by erratically clapping his hands and by making noises. When held by the hand he makes several steps. (was previously also listed as Barron).

Ethan Adrian #

Boy, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Deaf / HoH, Hydrocephalus

Bilateral neuro-sensory hearing loss; hydrocephalus (controlled without a shunt); developmental delays; reflux; premature; Cerebral palsy, spastic form – moderate degree. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia /BPD/. Delayed physical and psychomotor development.

Listed: Mar 2022

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Ethan is well developed for his age. He is a warm and curious little boy. His best toy is a ball. He laughs and shouts every time he got his ball. Ethan is a cheerful and peaceful child. He likes the other children. Observes and manipulates with toys. He knows how to charm his caregivers and receives lots of attention.

With a familiar adult, Ethan has a good emotional tone – he enjoys a hide and seek game and sometimes gives his hand for “hello”.

He cannot walk yet, but he sits, crawls and staying straight caught for fixed support, showing progress in his motor skill development. The child has flat feet with valgus deviation of both feet – it was recommended to wear orthopedic shoes. Ethan stands up on his own until he is caught on a fixed support, stands on tiptoe, does not step aside, placed in a walker, moves short distances; pronounces long sound combinations.

A family met Ethan in late 2024 & would be willing to share their experiences with another inquiring family.

Wayne #

Boy, Age: 9

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Craniofacial disorder, Speech Delay

Repaired cleft lip and palate; mild cognitive delays; speech delays

Listed: Feb 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Update on development: He enjoys engaging with others in play and initiates communicating. His vocabulary has greatly improved. He continues to learn new words. He understands instructions and has good active concentration for about 20 minutes. During walks in the park, he enjoys explaining to others what he sees. If he is unable to articulate the words, he uses gestures in a way that can be understood by everyone. He is interested in animals, cars and many different kinds of toys. He is content playing on his own. He very quickly understands how to carry out more complex tasks. He shows a lot of initiative. He has settled in very well to the kindergarten he attends. He is completely independent in self-care to the extent that when he returns home he helps himself to snacks and drinks.

Brody #

Boy, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Deaf / HoH

bilateral deafness-choclear implant on the ride side; Moderate mental delay with autistic characteristics; Strabismus

Listed: Sep 2021

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Brody walks independently. He is able to navigate stairs and playground equipment at the park. Most of Brody’s delays seem to be related to being unable to hear and communicate his wants/needs. For example, the foster family reports that he is not aggressive, but he does demonstrate frustration at being unable to communicate with them to express his thoughts and what he wants. He uses some gestures to communicate, such as opening the refrigerator to express that he is hungry. He is supposed to be under the care of a specialist to work with him now that he has the cochlear implant (and to continue to develop his communication skills), but this has not been consistent due to COVID restrictions and the fact that the family must travel to another town for Brody to see the specialist. The foster family does report that Brody seems to be able to hear now that he has the implant and they have seen improvements with the implant in place. Brody does attend a day program for children with disabilities and has recently become more interested in the other children.

Update 2024

Brody was born in 2015 and resides with a foster family. He is a smiley child. He is clinically and medically healthy. Brody has a cochlear implant but despite this, there is no clear evidence of hearing recovery. He vocalizes individual sounds without any meaning or meaning. He uses non-verbal means of communication to satisfy basic needs. He does not have a developed active and passive vocabulary for his age. Lacks developed speech. After the placement of the hearing implant, different-sounding sounds are heard more often, but it cannot be determined whether there is a connection with this. He has been assessed with moderate mental retardation with atypical autism, bilateral hearing
loss, a disorder in receptive and expressive speech, atypical communicative development, and delay in developmental stages.

He looks carefully at those around him. When stimulated, the child reacts, hugs and seeks contact with the foster parent. He smiles when teased, as well as gets angry when a toy he is interested in is taken away. According to information from the foster parent, there are no depressive and aggressive occurrences. He reacts to the absence of the foster parent and looks for her. According to information from the foster parent, the child is active in contacts with significant adults – both close and surrounding. Affectionate and seeking tenderness and attention from them. He takes a man by the hand to show him something he wants. No anxiety is observed when meeting a stranger but does not want to be left with strangers and reacts with grumbling and crying. He likes to be taken care of, smiles at caress and attention from adults. When observed, the boy moves steadily, independently and without assistance. Squats, stands, stretches and contracts arms. Climbing stairs with legs one after another. Handles objects equally with both hands. It is noticed that he walks on his toes. Climbs on chairs and sofas. His movements are chaotic – there is no real judgment of danger

Fine motor skills for the age are not well developed. No stacking of cubes is observed. Holds objects for a short time and throws them. The child does not have skills related to making coordinated movements with his fingers. Tries to play with constructor set but fails to assemble items. Under direct observation, he holds a pencil in his hand but shows no interest in the white sheet. It leaves no traces. With support, he manages to pull a zipper to fasten it. Unsustainable attention and concentration. Difficulty sharing attention. Orients himself in the space of the room, opens the door and wants to go outside. Does not recognize, does not name, does not show parts of his body. It has an orientation to the position of its body in space. Deal with obstacles by removing or bypassing them.

Brody does not use the toys as intended. Interest in the environment is chaotic. During the examination, chaotic play, grasping and scratching of the toys on the ground were observed. Plays with a given toy, but for a short time. According to information, when visiting a children’s corner or park, he prefers the same activities. He does not seek contact with peers, he is more interested in their toys. During observations in an outdoor environment / in a park / the boy walks and runs chaotically, no play activity is observed. Prefers to walk and walk holding hands.

In September 2022, the child was enrolled in the first grade at school, with classes taking place at the Center for Special Educational Support. There were a total of 7 children with different degrees of disability in the class. He was not able to adapt there and for this reason he was admitted to another specialized institution for the child to visit. At the time of preparation of his description to visit the center daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There he adapted very well to the new environment. A speech therapist, a psychologist, a rehabilitator and a resource teacher work with the child. Brandon feels very good at the center, interacting with the specialists. Physical therapy – passive and active – was carried out in the center. He did exercises for general strengthening of the body, improvement of independence and improvement of general motor patterns. Work was done on maintaining attention, stimulating fine motor skills and orientation in space, but it was not possible to carry out any educational activity, because of the lack of interest in the educational process. From the information received, he did not communicate with other children in the group, but accepted attention and proximity from the staff there.

Brody lacks developed self-care skills. From the information received from the caregiver, the child does not feed independently but uses a spoon with the support of an adult. He is on a general diet. The child is reported to have a good appetite. Differentiates the taste of food. Shows preferences for certain foods. He likes to eat sweet things. Constant salivation is observed. He is dependent on an adult for dressing and undressing, but according to the caregiver, he is involved and helps with dressing more than before. He undresses himself for sleep and when he needs to go to the bathroom. Brody is reported to be a restful sleeper, sleeping soundly at night and not waking up. The child uses a diaper all day. He cannot control and does not report when a physiological need arises.

Emma #

Girl, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Epilepsy/ seizure disorder, Global developmental delays, Hydrocephalus, Other Special Needs

Condition after herpes-viral encephalitis. Hepatitis caused by CMV. Hypotrophy. Hydrocephaly – of mild degree. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia. Delayed neuro-psychological development.

Listed: Sep 2021

2025 MACC, 24 for 2024, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Sizable Grants $2,500+

Emma was recently transferred to a group home where she can receive more specialized care to help her continue to develop and receive appropriate medical care. She is receiving monthly blood transfusions at this time for her anemia. She had surgery to correct clubbed feet in 2020. She can sit unassisted, stand next to a stable support, walk around fixed supports and walk while holding the hand of an adult. Videos from May 2021 show Emma playing with an electronic toy. She is pushing the button to get the toy to make a sound. Her fine motor skills are not well-developed at this time, due to her spasticity. Emma responds positively to adults and other children. She smiles and laughs when adults interact with her.

The agency staff member who visited her during March of 2024, says the following:

Emma is a sweet little girl who needs a loving and supportive family environment. During my brief visit, the child was constantly on the move except for the brief moments when she played with a particular toy or during her brief moments of protest. At the present time, the child’s needs are met at a basic level, with particular attention paid to her medical needs. The lack of systematic and in-depth work of specialists (such as a rehabilitator, occupational therapist, special pedagogue, speech therapist and others) is felt, which the institution currently does not have the opportunity to provide. By falling into a suitable loving family, receiving more attention and adequate care and activities, Emma could show her potential to a greater extent.

Update 8/2024

Special needs: low birth weight – 1800 gr; condition after herpes viral encephalitis; condition after hepatitis caused by CMV; congenital dyserythropoietic anemia; hydrocephalus – mild degree; infantile cerebral palsy – spastic quadriparesis; symptomatic epilepsy; delayed neuropsychological development

Therapy: Convulex 4+4+4 ml., Clonarex 2 x ¼ tablet, Repitend 4 ml – 0,4 ml. Carsil – 2 x ½ capsule daily, EXJADE – 1 tablet daily, Urinal x 5 ml daily, Vitamin D3 x 2

Emma makes steps but always and only with the help of a support. She does not control her physiological needs and wears diapers. She listens to children’s songs and fairy tales and claps with her hands. She holds a toy she has been offered but she would most often put it in her mouth without playing with it.

Emma needs monthly blood transfusions and regular consultations with a neurologist and hematologist.

Tyson #

Boy, Age: 8

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Deaf / HoH, Hydrocephalus

Listed: Apr 2021

2025 MACC, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Sizable Grants $2,500+

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (with hearing aid); shunt due to internal hydrocephalus; spastic cerebral palsy

Tyson was born premature and had several complications after birth. He can sit on his own with good balanced reactions. He crawls following the correct motor model. He stands up and walks sideways vertically. He can walk when one of his hands is held and has more control when it’s his right hand being held. He can stand up straight without falling for 2-3 seconds. When walking with a walker, he begins to bend his knees. He purposefully grabs a toy that is handed to him and can switch it from hand to hand. He shows an interest in musical toys and enjoys them. He has started making sounds and simply syllables such as “ma-ma”. He enjoys having someone sing to him and likes to receive hugs. He eats from a spoon. His overall development is delayed.

Photos and videos from August 2020 are available through the agency.

Brett #

Boy, Age: 11

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Mental delays

Listed: Jul 2020

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Brett lived with a foster family from birth to age 4. He did not attend preschool or receive any interventions during that time. The family was not experienced in how to work with him. He was placed in a small group home at 4 years old. He has thrived in this setting. He has learned many new skills and continues to make improvements in all aspects of his development. He communicates using words and simple sentences. He understands everything said to him and can answer basic questions. He takes care of all his personal hygiene independently (brushes his own teeth, hair, dresses/undresses himself, is toilet trained, etc). He can count to 10, recognize colors and shapes, work puzzles, say his name and age, and also say the names of the other children living in the home. The staff at the group home believe that his mental delays are mild and state that this is because he made such rapid progress once he was placed in the group home and began receiving instruction. The foster family had reported behavior issues, mainly an inability to concentrate. The staff reports no behavior problems and stated that he just needed attention and appropriate instruction. They describe him as very affectionate.

Jax #

Boy, Age: 14

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

hyperkinetic conduct disorder and a mild mental delay

Listed: May 2015

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

He has been living with a foster family since 2013.

He has a systolic murmur along the precordium; hyperkinetic conduct disorder and a mild mental delay. The child started walking on time, but his speech is underdeveloped. The child cannot stay focused for a long time while playing. He understands and follows simple instructions.

The agency has current medical reports available for serious inquiries.

UPDATE March 2017: previous Diagnosis of Atypical autism that was changed to hyperkinetic disorder, very interested in motor activities. Responds to positive interactions and praise from familiar adults, but can become anxious in new situations or if a familiar caregiver is not around. He seeks comfort from familiar adults and can become sad if one leaves.

Jesse #

Boy, Age: 12

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Hydrocephalus

Jesse has Moderate external hydrocephalus; Arachnoid cyst – cortical atrophy; Infantile cerebral palsy – spastic quadric paresis; Hypotrophy; Delays in the neuro-psychological development; Severe mental delay.

Listed: Jun 2015

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Sizable Grants $2,500+

Update November 2015: He demonstrates interest in musical and mechanical toys. He will play for a short time – studies a toy, puts it in the mouth, transfers it from one hand to the other. He likes activities involving music. He recognizes familiar areas of the orphanage and understands his daily routine related to familiar tasks such as eating. He is very happy when interacting with familiar adults.

Update 2018: Jesse attention span is short-lived and unstable in relation to objects and people. There is some sharing with a close adult. Jesse responds when called by name. His memory and speech are poorly developed. When happy, he laughs loud and when anxious, he cries. Sometimes he pronounces unspecified sounds and separate syllables. He is sensitive and emotional and tends to be nervous around strangers. When given a toy he reaches out and takes it. He is working on the pinch grip. He hasn’t mastered fully the ability to move a toy from one hand to the other. Jesse is fed with a spoon and sleeps calmly through the night. He cannot control his physiological needs. Jesse is entirely cared for by the team in his orphanage.

(Jesse was also previously listed as Andy)

Kollen #

Boy, Age: 13

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy- mixed form (impacts his legs); delays in development

Listed: Sep 2014

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Kollen has started taking independent steps. He also crawls, sits, pulls up to a standing position holding on to a support, stays up for a short time without support, and walks holding on to two hands. His fine motor skills are improving. He fits in 3 cups, winds and unwinds toys on screws, “reads” books. He plays well with toys and explores their functions, imitates activities demonstrated to him, knocks on door before going in, claps his hands, stamps his feet, shows where his belly is. He eats with a spoon and attempts to do it independently. He is a calm and quiet child, makes a good eye contact, smiles, delights in interaction, recognizes and differentiates between the adults, has an emotional bond to a caregiver that works 1:1 with him. He pronounces sounds and syllables and currently says 3 words. He also used gestures to communicate his wants and needs.

Paddy #

Boy, Age: 13

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus, Thalassemia, astigmatism

Listed: Mar 2017

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Paddy can turn over on his own, and sits independently. He will walk holding hands or using a walker, but does not like to walk over uneven surfaces. He likes musical toys and has recently started imitating simple actions like a ring stacker. Paddy likes to interact with familiar adults and may pout when they leave. He eats mashed food and drinks from a cup.

Update from a family that met him in 2015: Paddy is a truly beautiful boy! He does have some behaviors, shrieking and flapping for the majority of the time we observed him. He did not make eye contact with us or the staff. We asked the staff about his medical information and they stated that he did not need regular transfusions, but did have a seizure disorder. A family that is prepared to deal with autistic like behaviors would be ideal!

Norton #

Boy, Age: 13

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

hyperactive disorder, mild mental disability and a speech delay

Listed: Nov 2017

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Norton is a boy who lives with a foster family in Eastern Europe. He loves to play with other children and particularly likes to play with musical toys and cars. He also likes to paint using watercolor paints. He manages to play games for a long time, and he likes to help around the household.

Norton is in good health and is stronger than typical of his age. He can independently move larger items, including furniture. He loves to run and jump, and he knows how to roll over forward and squeeze in narrower spaces. Like many little boys, Norton brushes his teeth twice a day. He can tell others when he needs to go to the restroom, and he eats with great appetite. He naps for two hours in the afternoon and sleeps peacefully at night.

His short-term and long-term memories function at a good level, and Noah can easily remember things related to the lifestyle, as well as past events related to pleasant or unpleasant memories.

Although he has been diagnosed with hyperactive disorder, mild mental disability and a speech delay, Norton has shown progress in his development. He understands everything that is required of him, executing commands correctly. He is persistent in his demands, but he understands when he has violated rules, and he does not oppose correction.

Norton chatters a lot, but he is incomprehensible. He repeats syllables he hears, and he uses gestures to help him communicate with others and make them clearly understand what he wants or wants to do. Norton is working with therapists to improve his speech abilities.

Clifton #

Boy, Age: 14

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Genetic Condition (non-DS), Other Special Needs

Born with positive Wassermann test result; he underwent treatment with Penicillin; ectopic left kidney; convergent concomitant strabismus; hypermetropia (long-sightedness); dolichocephaly; Arnold-Chiari syndrome, type I; irritable bowel syndrome without diarrhea; secondary lactase deficiency; food allergy – slight intolerance to foods containing gluten, dairy products and eggs;delayed physical development; generalized developmental disorder; moderate mental delay

specific disorders of motor function development, Moderate mental delay, ectopic left kidney, strabismus

Listed: Mar 2017

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Clifton lives with a foster family. He loves to listen to music and dance and is always looking for a dancing partner! His foster family is working on him walking longer distances independently. He is learning how to play with toys and interact appropriately with other children. He has few words and does not follow verbal directions. Clifton is receiving therapy multiple times a week.

Clifton’s gross motor skills are well-developed – he moves around independently, even at long distances, and he has no difficulties walking on different surfaces. He can now run (since the beginning of January 2017). The deficits noted previously in Clifton’s fine motor skills have been compensated to a great extent. He can transfer small elements with a spoon from one bowl into another with an adult’s assistance, he plays with certain materials and toys, he clips and unclips clothes pegs, he looks for an object hidden in the sand and he takes it out with great interest. He holds a pencil and leaves pale traces with it on a sheet of paper. He does great eating with a spoon. Clifton accepts the toothbrush and allows for his teeth to be brushed.

It happens more and more rarely for Clifton to demonstrate anxiety in response to being introduced to unfamiliar places and people. The stereotypic movements he demonstrates when someone initiates interactions with him have decreased significantly. He imitates actions he has observed more often and more successfully than before. Clifton becomes lively and starts dancing whenever someone is singing or plays music.

Clifton is calm in his new foster family, he often smiles and he laughs aloud while playing with an adult (or with the girls in the foster family). He is especially attached to the foster father and the younger daughter in the family. Clifton has become a lot more sociable in the last 6 months: he seeks children’s attention, initiates interactions, accepts unfamiliar people a lot easier, maintains a smaller distance between himself and others and makes eye contact.

Although Clifton has poor passive vocabulary, he follows simple instructions provided that those are accompanied by nonverbal means of communication. His speech development is at the level of producing chains of syllables. He uses “No” appropriately so as to express his disagreement, he sometimes uses “Yes” and “Give me”. Clifton initiates physical and emotional contact with his foster parents and their children as well as with the specialists working with him. He is especially attached to the foster father and the youngest daughter in the foster family. His interactions with other children have changed significantly – he plays with them for a long time and he is making attempts to cooperate with them.

More photos/file are available from his agency

Jonas #

Boy, Age: 14

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Epilepsy/ seizure disorder, Other Special Needs

2nd-degree prematurity; epilepsy; convergent strabismus; esotropia of the left eye; hypermetropia (long-sightedness); mild mental delay; delayed speech development; other pervasive developmental disorders;

Listed: May 2017

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Jonas is on several medications. Jonas’s motor activity completely corresponds to the expected developmental level for his calendar age. Although his fine motor skills need to improve further, Jonas is able to hold a pencil properly. He can inlay elements with some guidance. He puts cubes one on top of the other. He threads colored rings on a fixed stand, but not yet in accordance with their size.

There are some difficulties in attracting and keeping his attention focused. Jonas plays for a longer period of time whenever he is interested in the respective activity. Jonas orientates well in a familiar environment. He distinguishes between day and night based on his everyday routines – sleeping, meal times, rest. He recognizes the neighborhood around the foster family’s home.

Jonas is reported to have achieved noticeable progress in terms of expressing his emotions and feelings, which are becoming more diverse. He reacts appropriately to smiles and angry faces and also to the tone of voice one talks to him with. He demonstrates his love, attachment and attention for others. He greatly enjoys it when others play with him. Jonas has attached to all members of the foster family.

Connor #

Boy, Age: 14

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Genetic Condition (non-DS)

Listed: Sep 2015

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Severely impaired condition, polymalformative syndrome: Dandy-Walker syndrome, epilepsy, congenital hydrocephalus-ventriculoperitoneal shunt installed, dysfunction of the valve with a neuroinfection and a surgical treatment and revision of the valve system in the spring of 2015; anal atresia, sigmostoma and sagittal proctoplasty; mylticystic right kidney, kidney dysplasia, pyelectasis and hypertrophy of the left kidney, severe mental delay.

Connor is being raised in one of the biggest orphanages in Bulgaria where children often suffer from severe malnutrition, muscle hypotrophy and have severe delays in the neuropsychological development. He has a polymalformative syndrome, but one could see a dramatic change in his appearance in just two pictures- the first one taken in the end of November 2014 and the second one in June 2015.

He grabs a toy that is handed to him, holds it for a while and manipulates with it. He has started to more and more often reach with his hands and manipulate with hanging toys independently.

While involved in active interactions with adults, he would make his emotional responses known with his nonverbal behavior. He seeks contact with familiar adults by reaching out his hand, grabbing an adult’s hand and he would even sometimes direct an adult’s hand towards his face so as to be caressed.

He falls asleep easily and his sleep is calm. He is fed with a bottle. He gets anxious while his clothes are changed and while bathed.

Rocky #

Boy, Age: 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Listed: Nov 2017

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Rocky is a calm, pleasant boy who lives in a group home in Eastern Europe. He is attached to his caregivers and responds well to them.

Although Rocky was born premature and with low birth weight; cerebral palsy; and speech, motor and cognitive delays, he is making good progress in his physical therapy and other supports. He can walk with minimal support, and his fine motor skills are also improving.

Vassilio #

Boy, Age: 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy

Vassilio has cerebral palsy, strabismus, moderate mental delay and he is allergic to eggs, cocoa, fish and carrots

Listed: Feb 2017

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Vassilio can hold objects in both hands and his vocabulary consists of about 10-15 words. He understands verbal instructions and follows them. Vassilio likes to listen to music, dance and watch puppet shows. He likes to communicate with adults and children and likes to be hugged and touched. Vassilio can put small bites of food in his mouth and can drink out of a cup. He cannot dress or undress himself. The agency has additional information and photos.

Teddy #

Boy, Age: 11

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Congenital Heart Defect

congenital heart malformation: ASD, VSD; infantile cerebral palsy – ataxic form; moderate mental delay; autistic manifestations in behavior

Listed: Jul 2019

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Despite his diagnosis of infantile cerebral palsy Teddy walks independently. He climbs on and gets off the bed independently. Teddy examines objects with hands, eyes and mouth. He is able to transfer objects from one hand to another. He is able to hold two toys in his hands and knock them in one another.

When the foster mother leaves the room Teddy would start crying and looking for her.

He likes playing with musical toys and shows excitement when they make sounds. He also looks at and likes some of the TV commercials.

The foster mother feeds Teddy with a spoon and some improvement has been reported, as he is now eating solid food. Teddy loves bananas, biscuits with milk, homemade soups and sops.

Shay #

Girl, Age: 13

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Epilepsy/ seizure disorder

Seizure disorder-currently on seizure meds; delays in development; ataxic cerebral palsy; ADHD

Listed: Jan 2019

*** I am eligible for a $2,000 Grant! ***
This grant is offered by Reece’s Rainbow, for children in this specific country. Grant funds are dependent on available funding. For more information, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Shay lives in a foster home. She was hospitalized to look for a cause for her seizures and was diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy. She is currently taking medication for seizures, but still has 1-2 seizures each month. She is able to walk and has good gross motor skills. Her fine motor skills are delayed. Her speech is delayed. She uses single words or short phrases to communicate. She has difficulty focusing, which makes it difficult for her to learn new skills. She is very active and needs constant supervision.

Update 9/2024

Shay lives in a foster family and is very close to her foster mom. She says a lot of words and sentences, but they are in Turkish. She is extremely mobile and can run, climb on fitness equipment, go up and down stairs and can jump on one leg. She enjoys playing with dolls and pretending to cook. She likes nice clothes and likes to look good. She does not manifest any aggression and in fact is very loving and sweet. She is also very curious. A resource teacher works with Shay at school, and she also visits with a psychologist at the Community Support Center. Unfortunately she lives in a very small town with very few other resources. She really needs the love, attention and resources that only a family can give.

Scotty #

Boy, Age: 11

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Spina bifida

Lumbar spina bifida (surgically corrected), grand mal seizures, spastic cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus

Listed: Mar 2017

2025 MACC, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Scotty has little support from his legs. His head control has improved and he can turn from his back to his belly. He sits independently by holding on to the bars of his crib and also makes attempts to stand up. Scotty can hold toys in his hands and tries to clap! He maintains eye contact and recognizes the faces of his caregivers. Scotty expresses appropriate emotions to happiness and agitation and will laugh out loud when teases. He imitates and pronounces combinations of sounds and syllables. Scotty interacts with all children and caregivers. He likes music and toys. Scotty is fed by a spoon and receives additional nutrition from a bottle.

Sally #

Girl, Age: 9

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

congenital anomaly of the central nervous system; dysmorphic stigmas(dysmorphic facies, four-finger groove of left hand, six fingers on right leg, longer right foot with a larger surface area); generalized hypotonia and forming hemiparesis on the left.

Listed: Jan 2019

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Sally had one seizure at age one. She’s been on seizure medication since that time and has not had any additional seizures. She touches and grabs with her right hand and moves her right foot. The left hand is almost clenched in a fist. Her muscles are very tight, but she can sit up when placed in that position. She will reach and grab toys with her right hand. She tracks objects that are moving in front of her face. She laughs when adults interact with her. She makes sounds and produces syllabes when imitating someone. She enjoys musical toys and will scoot to get to a toy that is near her when on the floor. She is fed by an adult and can eat from a spoon.

Robby #

Boy, Age: 11

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

nonspecific reactive hepatitis. Hepatosplenomegalia. Heart malformation foramen ovale, initial lung hypertonia. Condition after hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy 2-3 degree. Hemoragia. Intraventricular bleeding 2 degree. bilateral otomastoidit – mastoidectomy in the right. Retention testicle in the left. Delay in the neuro-psychical development.

Listed: Jul 2018

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Robby is delayed in all aspects of his development, but has begun to make small gains in learning . He will interact with caregivers and other children if an activity is interesting to him. His attention span when working on tasks has begun to increase. He enjoys playing in the sensory room. He learns best with multiple repetitions of a task.

His current agency has videos and pictures that can be shared with interested families

Posie #

Girl, Age: 8

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Craniofacial disorder

cleft lip & palate, facial and skull dysmorphia, seizures, quadriparesis-weakness in all 4 extremities

Listed: Aug 2019

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Sizable Grants $2,500+

Ozzie #

Boy, Age: 12

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Genetic Condition (non-DS)

Coffin-Lowry Syndrome

Listed: Mar 2021

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Ozzie has decreased muscle tone. He can’t walk, but has recently started standing up in his crib with support. He smiles and has positive emotions when interacting with adults and when he is with the other children. He pronounces combinations of sounds. He laughs when playing peek-a-boo.

*There is an older child that is believed to be Ozzie’s older brother. However, they are NOT listed as needing to be adopted together. The other child is listed as Ollie.

Ollie #

Boy, Age: 14

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Genetic Condition (non-DS)

Coffin-Lowry Syndrome

Listed: Dec 2018

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Ollie is now living in foster care. He is physically well developed. He has good coordination of his hands and feet. He walks without falling, and can run as well. Climbs up and goes down by the stairs when holding an adult or the railing. He can play with cubes by putting them and taking them out of a cup, but has some problems manipulating with smaller objects. He cannot eat and dress by himself yet, but does make attempts. He understood almost everything and fulfils small tasks. He likes playing hide and seek. He hides behind the door and when he is found, he laughs and stomps his feet. He is interested in musical cartoons and copies the movements of the actors.

*There is a younger child that is believed to be Ollie’s younger brother. However, they are NOT listed as needing to be adopted together. The other child is listed as Ozzie.

Molly May #

Girl, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Genetic Condition (non-DS)

Trisomy 7; cleft lip & palate; Cerebral Palsy

Listed: May 2019

2025 MACC, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Sizable Grants $5,000+

Molly May has made progress in her development during recent months. She is able to sit unassisted, get up on her knees and has begun to start trying to move around in a walker. She is becoming more physically active. She makes eye contact, looks around for families adults and smiles when someone looks at her. She will laugh out loud when an adult plays with her. She watches children’s cartoons and movies on the TV and will get excited and point to the screen when the TV is turned on. She picks up toys and attempts to play with them. She still needs instructions in how to appropriately play with toys. She makes vocalizations in an effort to communicate. She eats soft foods from a spoon.

Molly May has undergone multiple surgeries to repair her cleft lip & palate. She is under the continued care of the doctor who is performing these procedures. She is also under the regular care of a neurologist, who diagnosed her with CP in 2018. She had suffered from “constant shaking” resulting in uncontrollable movements up until a few months ago. The social worker reports that this has greatly improved and that Molly May’s movement are now more calm and she also sleeps calmly too. Videos taken in April 2019 show her interacting with toys.

Photos and videos are available through the agency.

Mila #

Girl, Age: 9

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Global developmental delays, Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephaly; Strabismus; G-tube feeding; delays in development

Listed: Jul 2018

*** I am eligible for a $2,000 Grant! ***
This grant is offered by Reece’s Rainbow, for children in this specific country. Grant funds are dependent on available funding. For more information, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

2025 MACC, Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Mila turns her head towards sound and looks at people and objects of interest. She recognizes the faces of the staff. She can roll over, but still has difficulty with head control. She enjoys musical toys that spin and will focus on those for short periods of time.

Update 8/2024

Special needs: low birth weight (2410 gr.); congenital anomaly of the central nervous system: moderate ventriculomegaly; cyst of the cave of septum pellucidum and cave Vergae; rejected prior diagnosis of hydrocephalus; brain atrophy; infantile cerebral palsy; syndrome of congenital anomalies mainly affecting the facial area; convergent strabismus; nystagmus; occipital alopecia areata; severely delayed physical and neuropsychological development; severe mental delay

Family history: born from a high-risk pregnancy by a mother with positive serology for hepatitis B and epilepsy (on three medications for epilepsy).

Molly turns independently in bed. Although she is unable to sit independently, Molly maintains a sitting position for a more continuous period at the presence of additional support. She has no stable support in the legs.Molly selectively responds with an appropriate emotional reaction to different situations and objects. She is able to express discontent from internal discomfort through crying. She smiles as a response to a smile, speech and closeness from the caregiver, she positively reacts to positive stimulation. Molly easily handles being moved from one space to another, she is calm and sometimes demonstrates interest. She has formed emotional preferences to certain significant members of the staff, mostly the rehabilitator who works with her, as well as the teacher from the group at the Center for Special Educational Support. Molly laughs at specific sounds coming from a musical toy. She shows preferences for specific children’s songs while she does not react to others.

Molly wears diapers, easily goes to sleep and easily wakes up. She eats food from a spoon

Malory #

Girl, Age: 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Microcephalous; Moderate mental delays; Speech delay; Behavioral Issues

Listed: Jan 2018

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Malory is a beautiful, giggly girl who lives with a foster family in Eastern Europe. With a contagious smile and laughter, Malory runs, climbs and could be described as an active child. She enjoys the extra attention she receives from her foster parents. She is physically healthy, and she eats well. Her weight and height are catching up with the standards for her age.

Malory has some developmental delays that her caregivers attribute to early neglect and lack of stimulation. She has difficulty pronouncing some words, and her learning is below the norm for her age. Malory understands everything her elders say. She cannot talk yet, but she can pronounce separate words and sounds. She knows her name and the people’s names living around her. She plays with the other kids from the group, and she prefers more dynamic games.

Malory gets one-on-one instruction in each subject, participating in different programs – therapeutic, musical and rehabilitation. She is much calmer then she was before, and she respects the authority of the foster family.

Additional videos are available from her agency.

Michael #

Boy, Age: 11

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and has delayed speech

Listed: Jan 2020

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

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